Assessing medical electrode condition

ABSTRACT

The invention presents an apparatus and techniques for determining whether a medical electrode, such as a defibrillation electrode coupled to an automated external defibrillator, is in a condition for replacement. The determination can be made as a function of one or more data. In one exemplary embodiment, the determination is a function of one or more measurements of an impedance of a hydrogel bridge in a test module. In another exemplary embodiment, the determination is a function of one or more environmental condition data from one or more environmental sensors.

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/865,252, filed Jun. 10, 2004, the entire content of which isincorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to medical devices for monitoring or treatingmedical conditions, and more particularly, to external medical devicesincluding but not limited to external defibrillators.

BACKGROUND

Fibrillation is a life-threatening medical condition that may be treatedwith external defibrillation. External defibrillation includes applyingdefibrillation electrodes to the patient's chest and delivering anelectric shock to the patient to depolarize the patient's heart andrestore normal sinus rhythm. The chances that a patient's heart can besuccessfully defibrillated increase significantly if a defibrillationpulse is applied quickly. In many venues, such as airports, health clubsand auditoriums, automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are availableto provide life-saving defibrillation therapy. Such AEDs may be usedinfrequently, in comparison to external defibrillators employed byrescue personnel.

An AED includes defibrillation electrodes, which an operator applies tothe chest of the patient and which deliver the defibrillation therapy.The electrodes are typically disposable and are stored withinhermetically sealed packages. Sealing electrodes in a package providesprotection during shipping, maintains sterility, and prolongs the usefullife of the electrodes.

For example, electrode pads include a hydrogel that helps adhere theelectrode to the patient, enhances electrical contact between theelectrode and the patient, and facilitates administration of adefibrillation shock with a reduced risk of burning the patient. Theshelf life of electrode pads is in part a function of the shelf life ofthe hydrogel. In time, moisture evaporates out of the hydrogel andescapes from the package. As moisture escapes, the safety andeffectiveness of the defibrillation electrodes may become compromised.As the hydrogel dries, the defibrillation electrode may become lessadhesive, may be less able to detect electrical signals generated by thepatient's heart, and may conduct defibrillation shock less efficiently.When the defibrillation electrodes are in a condition in which they areunable to perform appropriately, or are at risk of being unable toperform appropriately, then the defibrillation electrodes are in acondition for replacement.

SUMMARY

In general, the invention is directed to apparatus and correspondingtechniques for determining whether one or more medical electrodescoupled to a medical device are in condition for replacement. Theinvention will be illustrated in the context of defibrillationelectrodes that are coupled to an AED, but the invention is not limitedto this application. Various embodiments of the invention may be usefulwith other medical devices that employ medical electrodes, such asmedical monitors.

Defibrillation electrodes can be in condition for replacement even ifthe defibrillation electrodes are still usable. The defibrillationelectrodes can be in condition for replacement when the defibrillationelectrodes have exceeded a useful shelf life, for example, or when thedefibrillation electrodes have been exposed to environmental conditionsthat put them at risk of being unable to perform appropriately. In theevent the defibrillation electrodes are in condition for replacement,the AED notifies a person via an output device, such as an alarm, or viaa communication to another device such as a central station.

The determination can be made as a function of one or more data. Forexample, the determination can be a function of one or more measurementsof an impedance of a hydrogel bridge in a test module. The impedance ofthe hydrogel bridge in the test module is indicative of the quality ofthe hydrogel that is in contact with the defibrillation electrodes.Increases in the magnitude of the impedance, for example, result fromdrying of the hydrogel, and drying of the hydrogel affects the efficacyof the hydrogel. Accordingly, an increase in the magnitude of theimpedance of the hydrogel bridge of the test module can indicatepotential drying of the hydrogel on the defibrillation electrodes. AnAED can be equipped with an impedance measure circuit to measurementsthe impedance of the hydrogel bridge in a test module.

The determination can also be a function of one or more environmentalcondition data sensed by one or more environmental sensors.Environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity generallyaffect the efficacy of the hydrogel. Low humidity, or high temperatures,or both can reduce the efficacy of the hydrogel. An AED can be equippedwith one or more environmental sensors that collect environmentalcondition data. The invention supports embodiments in which the AEDupdates the usable shelf life, such as by extending or shortening theexpiration date of the defibrillation electrodes, in response to theenvironmental condition data.

In one embodiment, the invention is directed to a method comprisingmeasuring an impedance between a first test lead and a second test leadin electrical contact with a hydrogel bridge, and determining whether amedical electrode coupled to a medical device is in a condition forreplacement as a function of the measurement. In this embodiment, thefirst test lead and the second test lead are electrically isolated fromthe medical electrode. The medical electrode can comprise adefibrillation electrode, and the medical device can comprise an AED.

In another embodiment, the invention presents a method comprisingreceiving at least one environmental condition datum from anenvironmental sensor and determining whether a medical electrode coupledto a medical device is in a condition for replacement as a function ofthe datum. The environmental condition datum may include a temperaturedatum or a humidity datum, or both, but is not limited to thoseenvironmental condition data. Furthermore, the techniques that takeenvironmental condition data into consideration may be combined with thetechniques that take impedance into consideration.

The invention also includes embodiments in which a computer-readablemedium comprising instructions causes a programmable processor to carryout any of the above methods.

In a further embodiment, the invention is directed to a device thatincludes a first test lead, a second test lead, and a hydrogel bridge inelectrical contact with the first and second test leads. The first testlead and the second test lead are electrically isolated from a medicalelectrode coupled to a medical device. In addition, the test moduleincludes a hermetically sealed package containing the first and secondtest leads and the hydrogel bridge.

In an additional embodiment, the invention is directed to an automatedexternal defibrillator comprising an impedance measure module configuredto measure an impedance between a first test lead and a second test leadin electrical contact with a hydrogel bridge, in which the first leadand the second test lead are electrically isolated from a defibrillationelectrode coupled to the automated external defibrillator. The automatedexternal defibrillator also includes a processor configured to determinewhether the defibrillation electrode is in a condition for replacementas a function of the measurement.

In another embodiment, the invention is directed to an automatedexternal defibrillator that includes a processor configured to receiveat least one environmental condition datum from an environmental sensorand to determine the defibrillation electrode to be in a condition forreplacement as a function of the datum.

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth inthe accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features,objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from thedescription and drawings, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of an AED with apouch that contains defibrillation electrodes.

FIG. 2 is a view of an example embodiment of a pouch and an electrodeassembly with a test module.

FIG. 3 is a view of another embodiment of a pouch and an electrodeassembly and a test module.

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example defibrillationelectrode with test leads.

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example test modulewith test leads.

FIG. 4C is a perspective view illustrating an example embodiment of adefibrillation electrode with a test module.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an another embodiment of an AEDincluding one or more environmental sensors.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a processing system within an AED.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating an example mode of operationaccording to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating an example mode of operationaccording to another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of an AED 10,which is an example medical device that illustrates an embodiment of theinvention. Although the invention will be described in the context of anAED and defibrillation electrodes that are coupled to the AED, but theinvention is not limited to this application. Other medical devicesmonitor the patient or provide therapy to the patient, or both, and usemedical electrodes to do so. Examples of such medical devices include,but are not limited to, patient monitors, fetal monitors,electrocardiograms, external cardiac pacemakers, electroencephalograms,and transneural stimulation units. In many cases, the medical electrodesused with these medical devices are stored in a sealed pouch, and manyof them include hydrogel to enhances electrical contact between theelectrode and the patient, and facilitate administration of therapy. Itis often desirable that such medical electrodes be replaced when theyare in a condition for replacement.

AED 10 includes cover 12, which is hingedly coupled to defibrillatorcase 14. Defibrillator case 14 includes circuitry (not shown in FIG. 1)that performs functions such as making measurements, processing cardiacsignals, storing energy for delivery as a defibrillation pulse andregulating the delivery of the defibrillation pulse. Defibrillator case14 also houses a power supply such as a battery (not shown in FIG. 1).In addition, defibrillator case 14 may include circuitry that controlsautomated voice instructions, other audible messages and readinessindicators and other visual indicators 38.

Pouch 16 rests atop defibrillator case 14. Pouch 16 is an example of asealed package that can be used to implement the invention. Pouch 16contains defibrillation electrodes 74 and 76 (not shown in FIG. 1). Incase of an emergency, an operator removes electrodes 74 and 76 frompouch 16 and places electrodes 74 and 76 upon the chest of the patient.

Electrodes 74 and 76 are electrically coupled to defibrillator case 14via insulated lead wires 22 and connector 18. Lead wires 22 extend fromelectrodes 74 and 76 through sealed entry point 48 in pouch 16, and arecoupled to connector 18. Connector 18 mates to receptacle 20 indefibrillator case 14. When defibrillation electrodes 74 and 76 areapplied to the chest of a patient, signals sensed via electrodes 74 and76 are supplied to one or more processors in defibrillator case 14 viainsulated lead wires 22 and connector 18. Similarly, defibrillationpulses are supplied from energy storage circuitry in defibrillator case14 to electrodes 74 and 76 via connector 18 and insulated lead wires 22.

Pouch 16 can be removably fastened to defibrillator case 14 and iseasily replaceable. As such, electrodes 74 and 76 and pouch 16 are notpermanently coupled to defibrillation case 14. Rather, pouch 16 can bereplaced by unfastening pouch 16 from defibrillator case 14 anduncoupling connector 18 from receptacle 20. Pouch 16 has a usable shelflife, and it is advantageous to replace pouch 16 when the shelf lifeexpires. In addition, pouch 16 is generally replaced after pouch 16 hasbeen opened.

Electrodes 74 and 76 are hermetically sealed inside pouch 16 to protectelectrodes 74 and 76 from the environment. Electrodes 74 and 76 includea hydrogel layer that hydrates the patient's skin, forms an interfacewith the patient and enhances the capacity of electrodes 74 and 76 tosense electrocardiogram signals from the patient. In addition, thehydrogel promotes adhesion of electrodes 74 and 76 to the skin andreduces the risk of burns to the patient when a defibrillation pulse isapplied. Pouch 16 may be, for example, an airtight foil bag thatprevents the hydrogel from drying out and losing its desirableproperties. Because pouch 16 is hermetically sealed, the operator mustopen pouch 16 to obtain access to electrodes 74 and 76.

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, pouch 16 includes large handle 24near upper left corner of pouch 16. Handle 24 may be composed of abrightly colored plastic, such as red plastic, so that handle 24 isespecially prominent. Handle 24 may be a ring-type handle as shown inFIG. 1, making handle 24 easy to clutch and pull. The operator tearspouch 16 open by pulling handle 24. Pouch 16 tears beginning at a notchat a top of one side, and continues to tear along tear strip 46. Tearstrip 46 prevents the tear from cutting across pouch 16, potentiallydamaging electrodes 74 and 76. In one implementation, tear strip 46comprises tape with embedded fibers that guide the tear. When pouch 16is open, the operator may extract electrodes 74 and 76, or electrodes 74and 76 may slip out of pouch 16 as the operator pulls handle 24. Theoperator retrieves electrodes 74 and 76 and places electrodes 74 and 76on the patient.

FIG. 2 is a view of pouch 16 and an electrode assembly 70 that isnormally sealed inside pouch 16. Handle 24 has been flipped upward toshow the obverse face of pouch 16. Electrode assembly 70 includes aright electrode 74 (also called an anterior electrode) and a leftelectrode 75 (also called a lateral electrode) affixed to anonconductive plastic liner 72. Liner 72 is shown partially folded. Whenfolded, liner 72 allows electrodes 74 and 76 to fit inside pouch 16.FIG. 2 further illustrates that a length of insulated lead wires 22 iscoiled inside pouch 16. Bottom edge 40 of pouch 16 has been removed forpurposes of illustration, and FIG. 2 is not intended to demonstrate howelectrode assembly 70 is to be removed from pouch 16.

Electrodes 74 and 76 may each comprise a tin foil plate on a foambacking. The tin foil plates (not shown in FIG. 2) are electricallycoupled to lead wires 22. The tin foil plates of electrodes 74 and 76,which in FIG. 2 are in contact with liner 72, are coated with a hydrogelthat promotes adhesion of electrodes 74 and 76 to the skin of thepatient. Electrodes 74 and 76 may also include additional adhesives topromote adhesion. Liner 72 prevents electrodes 74 and 76 from stickingto each other. The operator must remove liner 72 from electrodes 74 and76 before applying electrodes 74 and 76 to the patient.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, pouch 16 also contains a test module101. Test module 101 includes a first test lead 111 and a second testlead 112. First test lead 111 and second test lead 112 may extendthrough sealed entry point 48 of pouch 16, and may be electricallycoupled to connector 18. Accordingly, when connector 18 is coupled to amedical device such as an AED, defibrillation electrodes 74 and 76 andtest module 101 are electrically coupled to the medical device.

Test module 101 is used to measure electrical operating characteristicsof electrodes 74, 76. Over time, the electrical operatingcharacteristics of electrodes 74, 76 change, due to exposure to variousenvironmental conditions such as heat and humidity. In one embodiment,test module 101 is constructed in a manner similar to, or identical to,electrodes 74, 76. In other words, test module 101 can be constructedusing the same materials as electrodes 74, 76, including liner andhydrogel. These materials may be obtained from the same batch and lot asthe materials used to make electrodes 74, 76. Unlike electrodes 74 and76, however, test module 101 is a “dummy,” i.e., test module 101includes many of the components used in defibrillation electrodes 74 and76 but is not a functional defibrillation electrode. When test module101 is placed inside sealed pouch 16 along with electrodes 74, 76, testmodule 101 is subjected to the same environmental conditions aselectrodes 74, 76. Accordingly, the materials in test module 101,including the hydrogel, are subjected to the same environmentalconditions as the functional defibrillation electrodes 74, 76 duringtheir shelf life from manufacture, shipping and storage. As a result,the characteristics of test module 101 may reasonably be expected toreflect operational characteristics of electrodes 74, 76.

With this arrangement, AED 10 may periodically determine whetherdefibrillation electrodes 74 and 76 are in a condition for replacementby measuring characteristics of test module 101. In one embodiment, AED10 may measure an impedance of test module 101 and may determine whetherdefibrillation electrodes 74 and 76 are in a condition for replacementas a function of the impedance measurement. In particular, AED 10 mayenergize a first terminal 113 on first test lead 111 and measure animpedance between first test lead 111 and second test lead 112, whichare electrically coupled by hydrogel. AED 10 may, for example, supply aknown test current to first terminal 113 and measure the voltage thatdevelops as the test current flows from first terminal 113 through thehydrogel to a second terminal 114 on second test lead 112. The measuredimpedance is a function of the voltage divided by the current.

Measuring impedance is one way to determine the state of hydrogelincluded in test module 101, which is indicative of the condition of thehydrogel included in defibrillation electrodes 74, 76. Typically,impedance changes in the hydrogel occur because of environmentalconditions under which electrodes 74, 76 are stored. Two of the mostinfluential environmental conditions are temperature and humidity. Ingeneral, high temperature ages the defibrillation electrode, and lowhumidity tends to dry the hydrogel and degrade the desirable qualitiesof the hydrogel. High humidity, by contrast, tends to preserve thosedesirable qualities.

In an environment of high heat and low humidity, for example, thehydrogel tends to lose moisture and become less conductive, and as aresult, the impedance of the hydrogel changes. Terminals 113 and 114 areelectrically isolated from the foil plates of electrodes 74 and 76, buttest module 101 is constructed from similar materials as defibrillationelectrodes 74 and 76, and is stored in the same pouch 16 asdefibrillation electrodes 74 and 76. Accordingly, measured changes inthe impedance of the hydrogel in test module 101 will likely reflectchanges in the impedance of the hydrogel on defibrillation electrodes 74and 76 as well. When the measured impedance surpasses a predeterminedvalue, either by going above or below a predetermined value, electrodes74, 76 may be considered to be in a condition for replacement. Forexample, when the resistive portion of the impedance is deemedreflective of the condition of the hydrogel, electrodes 74, 76 may be incondition for replacement when the measured resistance exceeds apredetermined resistance, or when the measured conductance falls below apredetermined conductance.

Use of test module 101 may present one or more advantages. For example,it is possible to measure the impedance in test module 101 withoutsubjecting defibrillation electrode to electrical excitation. Inaddition, test module 101 does not affect the use or operation ofelectrodes 74, 76.

Although test module 101 is depicted in FIG. 2 as being removed from theinterior of pouch 16, test module 101 may be configured to remain insidepouch 16 when pouch 16 is opened. Test module 101 could therefore beunseen by the operator, and could be out of the operator's way. In anembodiment illustrated in FIG. 4C, the test module can be deployed onthe same pad or backing that supports the defibrillation electrode. Theinvention is not limited to any particular deployment of test module101, however.

FIG. 3 is a view of another embodiment of a pouch and an electrodeassembly. The embodiment depicted in FIG. 3 is similar in many respectsto the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2. In particular, pouch 16 containselectrodes 74, 76 and lead wires 22, and may be opened using handle 24.

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3, however, test module 101 is notdeployed inside pouch 16. Rather, test module 101 is deployed within aseparate hermetically sealed package such as test pouch 231. In thisembodiment, test leads 121 may be coupled to connector 18 withoutpassing through entry point 48 in pouch 16. An advantage of such anarrangement is that test module 101 may be deployed in a convenientlocation. In one configuration, test pouch 231 may be affixedback-to-back with pouch 16. In another configuration, test pouch 231 maybe a sub-pouch of pouch 16.

Test pouch 231 may be constructed from similar materials and in asimilar manner as pouch 16 and thus provide test module 101 withenvironmental conditions similar to environmental conditions experiencedby electrodes 74, 76 within hermetically sealed pouch 16. When connector18 is coupled to AED 10, AED 10 may measure an impedance between firstterminal 113 on first test lead 111 and second terminal 114 on secondtest lead 112. AED 10 determines whether defibrillation electrodes 74,76 are in a condition for replacement as a function of the impedancemeasurement.

Test module 101 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 may be tested by AED 10 todetermine when electrodes 74, 76 are in a condition for replacement.This testing may occur on a predetermined schedule or occur in responseto a test command. Such a test command may be provided to AED 10 by atest button depressed by an operator or may be received from anotherdevice via a communications module. In one exemplary implementation, acentral station may periodically interrogate AED 10 concerning thestatus of defibrillation electrodes 74, 76. In response, AED 10 measuresthe impedance between first test lead 111 and second test lead 112,determining whether defibrillation electrodes 74, 76 are in a conditionfor replacement as a function of the measurement, and transmits thedetermination to the central station via the communication module. Inthis implementation, AED 10 can notify the central station of a need toreplace electrodes 74, 76. In another exemplary implementation, AED 10measures the impedance and makes the determination when AED 10 is turnedon as part of a self-test procedure. In a further exemplaryimplementation, AED 10 measures the impedance and makes thedetermination on a periodic basis. AED 10 may notify a person about thestatus of electrodes 74, 76 using visual display 38, using an audiooutput such as an alarm, transmitting a message to the central station,or using any other indication of status.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 2 and3. For example, test module 101 need not be constructed using the samematerials as electrodes 74, 76. For example, hydrogel used in testmodule 101 may be replaced with other electrically conductive materials,such as various salts that experience impedance changes when subjectedto environmental conditions. The impedance of the substitute materialsmay reflect the impedance of the hydrogel on defibrillation electrodes74, 76 even though the impedance for substitute materials need not beidentical to impedance of the hydrogel used in electrodes 74, 76.

In addition to the above embodiments, test pouch 231 shown in FIG. 3 isillustrated as a separate pouch from pouch 16. In another embodiment,test pouch 231 may be a hermetically sealed pouch coupled to theinterior or exterior of pouch 16. As mentioned above, test pouch 231 maybe affixed to one side of pouch 16 in a back-to-back fashion to keeptest pouch 231 unseen or otherwise out of the way of an operator. Testpouch 231 may be affixed to pouch 16 in other ways as well, or may beseparate from pouch 16. The invention is not limited to any particulardeployment of test pouch 231.

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of a defibrillation electrode assembly401 with built-in test leads 111 and 112, according to anotherembodiment of the invention. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4A, testleads 111 and 112 are deployed proximate to a working defibrillationelectrode rather than a test module. In particular, defibrillationelectrode assembly 401 includes an electrode plate 413 mounted on anon-conductive backing or pad 415. Although defibrillation electrodeassembly 401 may be referred to conventionally as a “defibrillationelectrode,” plate 413 is the electrode component of defibrillationelectrode assembly 401, i.e., plate 413 is the electrode component thatconducts current from the defibrillation electrode assembly 401 to thepatient.

Electrode plate 413 is coated with a hydrogel 411, which is inelectrical contact with terminals 113 and 114. Hydrogel 411 betweenterminals 113 and 114 serves as an electrically conductive “bridge,”such that current passing through terminals 113, 114 passes through atleast a portion of hydrogel bridge 411. In addition, terminals 113, 114are electrically isolated from electrode plate 413, such that such thatcurrent passing through terminals 113, 114 does not pass directlythrough plate 413. In this way, current flowing between terminals 113,114 and the voltage between terminals 113, 114 can be used to determinean impedance of at least a portion of hydrogel bridge 411. A liner 414covers hydrogel bridge 411, terminals 113 and 114, and electrode plate413.

First test lead 111 and second test lead 112 need not be deployedexactly as depicted in FIG. 4A. Terminals 113 and 114 may be deployedflush with electrode plate 413, for example, or leads 111, 112 may beconstructed as printed circuits upon a non-conductive layer of electrode401. In one embodiment, terminals 113 and 114 may be deployed onopposing sides of electrode plate 413, which would support measurementof impedance of hydrogel 411 across the central portion of electrodeplate 413. In another embodiment, terminals 113, 114 may be deployed ina location proximate to one side of electrode plate 413, and thus out ofthe way from the central portion of electrode plate 413. Many sucharrangements for terminals 113, 114 may be used in accordance withprinciples of the invention, and the invention is not limited to anyparticular deployment of test leads or terminals.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A, the AED measures an impedancebetween first test lead 111 and a second test lead 112, which is afunction of the impedance of hydrogel bridge 411 between the leads. TheAED determines whether defibrillation electrode 401 is in a conditionfor replacement as a function of the measurement. An advantage of adefibrillation electrode with built-in test leads is that theconductivity of the hydrogel used on the defibrillation electrode can betested directly. In other words, an advantage of the configurationdepicted in FIG. 4A is that the conductivity of the hydrogel actuallydeployed on a working defibrillation electrode can be tested.

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of a test module assembly 417according to another embodiment of the invention. Test module assembly417 could be implemented, for example, in the embodiments of theinvention shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Test module assembly 417 is similar todefibrillation electrode assembly 401 shown in FIG. 4A, 401, having testleads 111 and 112 with terminals 113 and 114, hydrogel bridge 411, liner414 and backing 415. Unlike defibrillation electrode assembly 401, testmodule assembly 417 does not include a working defibrillation electrodein contact with hydrogel bridge 411. Terminals 113, 114 may be deployedin contact with hydrogel bridge 411 in any fashion.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4B, the AED measures an impedancebetween first test lead 111 and a second test lead 112, which is afunction of the impedance of the hydrogel bridge 411 between the leads.The AED determines whether a defibrillation electrode, typicallysubjected to the same environmental conditions as test module assembly417 but not in electrical contact with test module assembly 417, is in acondition for replacement as a function of the measurement. Test moduleassembly 417 may be deployed in the same pouch that contains thedefibrillation electrode or in a test pouch like test pouch 231 shown inFIG. 3.

FIG. 4C is a perspective view of a defibrillation electrode assembly 421that includes a test module 422. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4C,terminals 113 and 114 are physically separated from and electricallyisolated from working defibrillation electrode plate 413. In addition,the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4C includes a hydrogel bridge 411 thatis in electrical contact with terminals 113 and 114 but is electricallyisolated from plate 413 and from the hydrogel layer (not shown) onelectrode plate 413. In this embodiment, defibrillation electrode plate413 and test module 422 are coupled to backing 415. Accordingly, bothelectrode plate 413 and test module 422 are ordinarily covered by asingle liner (not shown in FIG. 4C) and are stored in the same sealedpouch. As a result, test module 422 is subject to the same conditions asthe working defibrillation electrode, so measurement of the impedance ofgel bridge 411 can be a good indicator of the condition of the gel onelectrode plate 413.

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4C, hydrogel bridge 411 has lesssurface area than the hydrogel covering electrode plate 413. As aresult, in the event hydrogel on backing 415 starts to lose moisture,gel bridge 411 is likely to dry much more quickly than the gel onelectrode plate 413, because of the smaller surface area of bridge 411.In other words, in the event environmental conditions are adverselyaffecting electrode 421, the environmental conditions will adverselyaffect test module 422 before the working defibrillation electrode,providing advance warning that the working defibrillation electrode isin condition for replacement.

FIG. 4C shows one of many implementations of a test module and a workingelectrode sharing a pad, and the invention is not limited to thisparticular configuration. For example, the invention supports anembodiment in which gel bridge 411 comprises a ring of hydrogel onbacking 415 around, but electrically isolated from, defibrillationelectrode plate 413. The invention also supports embodiments in whichgel bridge 411 is an extension of the hydrogel on plate 413, or isotherwise in electrical contact with the hydrogel on defibrillationelectrode plate 413. The invention further supports an embodiment inwhich electrode plate 413 is mounted to backing 415, but test leads 111and 112 and terminals 113 and 114 are coupled to the liner rather thanto backing 415. In this embodiment, the liner covers electrode plate 413and test module 422, but leads 111 and 112 and terminals 113 and 114 arepeeled away from backing 415 when the operator removes the liner.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an AED 510. AED510 is like AED 10 shown in FIG. 1, except AED 510 includes one or moreenvironmental sensors 501. AED 510 collects data about environmentalconditions, such as temperature and humidity data, via environmentalsensors 501, and determines whether defibrillation electrodes stored inpouch 16 are in a condition for replacement as a function of theenvironmental condition data. Although shown deployed on the surface ofAED 510, environmental sensors 501 may be deployed elsewhere. Forexample, environmental sensors 501 may be deployed inside pouch 16 orinside a test pouch like test pouch 231 shown in FIG. 3.

Environmental sensors 501 may comprise, for example, a temperaturesensor and a humidity sensor. The temperature sensor may include one ormore sensors that respond to temperature, such as a thermocouple.Similarly, the humidity sensor data may include one or more sensors thatrespond to humidity, such as an electronic psychrometer. The inventionsupports any kind of environmental sensors and is not limited to anyparticular environmental sensor.

AED 510 periodically obtains environmental condition data fromenvironmental sensors 601 and stores the environmental condition data inmemory in AED 510. In one embodiment, environmental sensors 501 measuretemperature and humidity environmental condition data. AED 510 estimatesuseful shelf life for electrodes 74, 76 (not shown in FIG. 5) bycomparing this temperature and humidity environmental condition datawith previously loaded temperature and humidity shelf life curves. Thetemperature and humidity shelf life curves may be empirically based.That is, the relationships between shelf life and one or moreenvironmental conditions may be discovered by experimentation.

For example, the temperature and humidity environmental condition dataobtained from environmental sensors 501 may be averaged to obtain anaverage temperature and humidity values. These averaged data may becompared to shelf life estimates that are based upon experimentaltesting. AED 510 may, for instance, find the observed averagetemperature and average humidity values in a look-up table, anddetermine the shelf life associated with the observed values. In thisway, a useful shelf life for electrodes 74, 76 may be measured as afunction of the actual average temperature and average humidity to whichelectrodes 74, 76 are subjected. The invention is not limited to averagetemperature and average humidity values, but supports other measurementsof environmental conditions as well.

When a new pouch 16 containing electrodes 74, 76 is coupled to AED 510,AED 510 resets ongoing average temperature and humidity values beingmaintained for estimating shelf life. If a date of manufacture or anexpiration date for pouch 16 is entered into AED 510, AED 510 maydetermine the shelf life as a function of this date and as a function ofobserved average temperature and humidity values. In other words, AED 10may use a manufacturer's manufacture or an expiration date as a startingpoint for determining the usable shelf life, and may adjust thedetermination as a function of environmental factors.

The date of manufacture or expiration date for pouch 16 may be enteredby an operator at the time of installation of pouch 16. Alternatively, adate of manufacture or expiration date for pouch 16 may be encoded andwritten on pouch 16. At time of installation of pouch 16, AED 510 mayautomatically read the date for use in determining an expiration datefor pouch 16.

For example, a date of manufacture data may be written onto pouch 16 incomputer readable characters or in bar code form. AED 510 may contain acorresponding reader to retrieve this date of manufacture. This datareader may be an integral part of AED 510 or may be a removable devicethat may be connected to AED 510 by an operator when pouch 16 isinstalled. In another example, the date of manufacture may be written ona magnetic media strip that is a part of pouch 16 and is read by amagnetic reader. In a further example, an operator may enter the date ofmanufacture by hand. The invention supports these and any other methodsof data encoding and entry.

If AED 510 includes a clock to indicate a present date, expiration of anestimated shelf life may be used to trigger alarm indicators thatelectrodes 74, 76 within pouch 16 needs replacing. For example, AED 510may indicate an alarm when one year after the manufacturing date haselapsed. The elapsed time may be lengthened or shortened depending uponenvironmental conditions. When the data obtained from environmentalsensors 501 indicate that average temperatures have been normal and thataverage humidity values have been above normal, for instance, AED 510may indicate an alarm when more than one year after the manufacturingdate has elapsed. When the data obtained from environmental sensors 501indicate that average temperatures have been high and that averagehumidity values have been below normal, by contrast, AED 510 mayindicate an alarm when less than one year after the manufacturing datehas elapsed.

The alarm indicators may output data upon display device 538. The alarmindicators may also output other visual and auditory alarm indicationssuch as activating an error light and generating an error beep that maybe observed by an operator.

While temperature and humidity environmental condition data is describedherein, any other combination of environmental conditions measurable byAED 510 may be used, alone or in combination, to estimate shelf life forelectrodes 74, 76 as long as experimental test data provides areasonable correlation between estimated shelf life and observedenvironmental condition data. In addition, the above embodimentdescribes using an average value for temperature and humidity. Thesedata averages may correspond to an average values calculated over theentire life of the electrodes or may represent and average value for afixed period of time or a fixed number of observed data values.Furthermore, the invention is not limited to use of averages. AED 510may estimate a shelf life for a defibrillation electrode as a functionof the peak temperature or humidity values, for example.

The above embodiments for environmental sensors 501 provide electronicdata corresponding to environmental conditions affecting shelf life ofelectrodes 74, 76 and whether electrodes 74, 76 are in a condition forreplacement. The invention also supports the use of non-electronicsensors for measurement of environmental conditions affecting shelflife. For example, chemically based solutions may be placed upon anindicator that dries out when exposed to extended periods of heat andhumidity. As the solution dries, the indicator may change its color.Experimental data may correlate the change in color for the chemicallybased indicator with electrode shelf life. In this way, a useful shelflife indicator may be constructed.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a patient 10 coupled to an externaldefibrillator 612. External defibrillator 612 is one example of amedical device that may be used to practice the invention. Defibrillator612 may be, for example, an AED, but the techniques of the invention maybe practiced with a manual defibrillator and other medical devices aswell.

Defibrillator 612 is capable of administering defibrillation therapy topatient 610 via electrodes 614 and 616, which may be adhesive electrodepads placed externally on the skin of patient 610. As shown in FIG. 6,defibrillation electrodes 614, 616 have been removed from a hermeticallysealed pouch and have been deployed on the body of patient 610. The bodyof patient 610 provides an electrical path between electrodes 614 and616.

Electrodes 614 and 616 are coupled to defibrillator 612 via conductors618 and 620 and interface 622. In a typical application, interface 622includes a receptacle, and connectors 618, 620 plug into the receptacle.Electrical impulses or signals may be sensed by defibrillator 612 viaelectrodes 614 and 616 and interface 622. Electrical impulses or signalsmay also be delivered from defibrillator 612 to patient 610 viaelectrodes 614 and 616 and interface 622.

Energy storage device 624 stores energy for fibrillation anddefibrillation therapy in energy storage components, such one or morecharged capacitors. Interface 622 includes one or more switches (notshown in FIG. 6) that, when activated, deliver energy stored in anenergy storage device 624 to electrodes 614 and 616. Energy storagedevice 624 and interface 622 cooperate to function as an electricalsource that generates therapeutic electrical shocks that deliver thetherapy to patient 610. Interface 622, in addition to controlling whencurrent may flow to patient 610, may also regulate the direction ofcurrent flow, under the control of a microprocessor 626.

Microprocessor 626 may evaluate the electrical activity in the heart ofpatient 610 sensed via electrodes 614 and 616. Microprocessor 626 may,for example, apply algorithms to determine whether patient 610 exhibitsa normal heart rhythm or an arrhythmia. Microprocessor 626 may furtherestimate the likely effectiveness of therapy for an arrhythmia.

Before energy may be delivered to patient 610 as part of defibrillationtherapy, charging circuit 628 stores energy in energy storage device624. Microprocessor 626 directs charging circuit 628 to charge energystorage device 624 to a high voltage level. Charging circuit 628comprises, for example, a flyback charger that transfers energy from apower source 632 such as a battery to energy storage device 624.Charging circuit 628 transfers energy from power source 632 to energystorage device 624 until the energy stored in energy storage device 624reaches a desired level. At that point, defibrillator 612 is ready todeliver a therapeutic shock. The therapy may be delivered automaticallyor manually.

The effectiveness of the therapy is a function of the conductivitybetween the body of patient 610 and defibrillation electrodes 614 and616. The conductivity between the body of patient 610 and defibrillationelectrodes 614 and 616 is a function of the quality of the hydrogelapplied to defibrillation electrodes 614 and 616. If defibrillationelectrodes 614 and 616 are in a condition for replacement, there is anincreased risk that the hydrogel on electrodes 614 and 616 will providepoor conduction.

Accordingly, microprocessor 626 determines whether defibrillationelectrodes 614 and 616 are in a condition for replacement.Microprocessor 626 controls impedance measure module 601 to measureimpedance between terminals 113 and 114. Impedance measure module 601may, for example, include a current source that generates a knowncurrent flowing between terminals 113 and 114, and a detector thatmeasures the voltage developed between terminals 113 and 114.Microprocessor 626 computes the impedance as a function of the currentand voltage, and determines the state of the hydrogel as a function ofthe impedance. Microprocessor 626 may generate alarm signals via one ormore output devices 634 when impedance measurements are outside anacceptable range.

Defibrillator 612 may receive information pertaining to the shelf life,such as a date of manufacture or an expiration date, via one or moreinput devices 630. In addition, defibrillator may include anenvironmental module 638 that receives environmental data from one ormore environmental sensors 640. Data such as date of manufacture andenvironmental data may be stored in memory 636. Temperature and humidityshelf life curves, as described above, may also be stored in memory 636.Memory 636 also stores instructions that direct the operation ofmicroprocessor 626, and further stores information about patient 610 anddefibrillator 612.

Test module 101, which includes terminals 113 and 114, and environmentalsensors 640 may be deployed in any of several ways. Test module 101 andenvironmental sensors 640 may be deployed inside the hermetically sealedpouch that contained defibrillation electrodes 614, 616, for example, orinside a test pouch.

Defibrillator 612 may receive an interrogation that promptsmicroprocessor 626 to determine whether defibrillation electrodes 614,616 have exceeded a usable shelf life or otherwise are in a conditionfor replacement. The interrogation may be received from a user requestvia an input device 630, or from a remote device, such as a centralstation, via a communication module (not shown). In response to theinterrogation, microprocessor 626 determines whether defibrillationelectrodes 614, 616 are in a condition for replacement and responds tothe interrogation. Microprocessor 626 may, for example, output an alarmsignal or an “OK” signal via output device 634, or may transmit thedetermination to the remote device via the communication module.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating an example mode of operation of amedical device such as AED 10, AED 510 or defibrillator 612. Adetermination of estimated shelf life for a particular set of electrodesmay begin when the medical electrodes are coupled to the medical device(701). At this time, the medical device may receive a date ofmanufacture or an expiration date, which may be of use in determiningwhether shelf life for the medical electrodes has expired.

The medical device tests the condition of the medical electrodes (702).As discussed above, such a test may include measurements of impedance ofa hydrogel. A measuring element such as impedance measure module 601measure impedance between test leads (703). The measured impedance isindicative of the condition of operating conditions the medicalelectrodes.

The medical device compares the measured impedance with a predeterminedthreshold value (704) to determine whether the medical electrodes are ina condition for replacement. When the observed impedance is found to begreater than a predetermined threshold value, for example, or when theobserved admittance is below a predetermined threshold value, themedical device may generate an alert (706) to indicate that the medicalelectrodes are in a condition for replacement. The alert may bepresented locally, such as by an audible or visual alarm, or may betransmitted to a remote receiver such as a central station. When analert is unwarranted, the medical device stands by (705) and may repeatthe above-described impedance test on a periodic basis or upon commandfrom a user or another device.

In some embodiments of the invention, the medical device tests themedical electrodes (702) in response to an interrogation by a user, andresponds to the interrogation. In addition to determining whether themedical electrodes are in a condition for replacement, the medicaldevice may supply other information as well. The medical device may, forexample, display an updated expiration date.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating an example mode of operation of amedical device such as AED 510 or defibrillator 612. A determination ofestimated shelf life for a particular set of medical electrodes maybegin when the medical electrodes are coupled to the medical device(800). At this time, the medical device may receive a date ofmanufacture or an expiration date, which may be of use in determiningwhether shelf life for the medical electrodes has expired. The medicaldevice may also reset environmental condition data, such as temperatureand humidity data, stored in memory. Over time, the medical devicereceives or collects environmental condition data (802) via one or moreenvironmental sensors.

The medical device evaluates or processes the environmental conditiondata (804), which is indicative of the condition of operating conditionsthe medical electrodes. The evaluation may include averaging oftemperature and humidity data collected over time. The medical devicecompares the evaluated environmental condition data with a predeterminedthreshold (806) to determine whether the shelf life of the medicalelectrodes has expired. When the shelf life of the medical electrodeshas expired, the medical device may generate an alert (808).

In some embodiments of the invention, when the shelf life of the medicalelectrodes has not expired, the medical device updates the expectedshelf life of the medical electrodes (810). The medical device mayestimate a shelf life anew, or adjust a pre-determined shelf life up ordown as a function of the environmental condition data. The medicaldevice may compare temperature and humidity environmental condition datawith temperature and humidity shelf life curves, for example, and mayupdate the expected usable shelf life as a function of the comparison.“Updating the shelf life” includes, but is not limited to, determining anew expected expiration date. The medical device may report the updatedshelf life by way of an output device or a communication module. Otherembodiments of the invention omit updating the expected shelf life(810). The medical device stands by (812), and may re-evaluate theenvironmental condition data (804) on a periodic basis or upon commandor interrogation from a user or another device.

Like the techniques of FIG. 7, the techniques shown in FIG. 8 supportembodiments in which the medical device evaluates conditions (804) inresponse to an interrogation. In addition to determining whether themedical electrodes are in a condition for replacement, the medicaldevice may, for example, display an updated expiration date. When theenvironmental condition data suggests that the medical electrodes aredeployed in a venue having moderate temperatures and high humidity, forexample, the medical device may determine that the estimated expirationdate has been moved further into the future.

The techniques shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 are not exclusive of one another.In various embodiments of the invention, a medical device determineswhether medical electrodes are in a condition for replacement as afunction of impedance and as a function of environmental condition data.

The invention may result in one or more advantages. A medical devicethat implements the invention may have an added degree of safety andreliability. Medical devices such as AEDs may sit idle for long periodsof time. During a long idle period, medical electrodes such asdefibrillation electrodes may silently lose effectiveness. When calledinto use, the medical electrodes may not be as effective as desired. Theinvention supports monitoring of the medical electrodes, and notifying aperson when the medical electrodes are in a condition for replacement.As a result, the medical device is more likely to be equipped withmedical electrodes that will operate well in an emergency.

Further, the invention supports an efficient use of medical electrodessuch as defibrillation electrodes. In practice, not all medicalelectrodes have the same shelf life because not all medical electrodeslose functionality at the same rate. For example, some medicalelectrodes subjected to moderate temperatures and high humidity may havea considerably longer shelf life than medical electrodes subjected tohigh temperatures and low humidity. The invention therefore supportsretaining medical electrodes that are still in good shape.

Various embodiments of the invention have been described. Variousmodifications may be made without departing from the scope of theclaims. For example, a medical device can measure an impedance betweentest leads by measuring an admittance, or by measuring only a resistivecomponent or reactive component of the impedance. Furthermore, theinvention encompasses embodiments in which the medical electrodes are ina condition for replacement but are still usable. In other words, theinvention is not limited to applications in which the medical electrodesare determined to be totally unusable.

Some of the techniques of the invention may be embodied as acomputer-readable medium comprising instructions that cause aprogrammable processor, such as microprocessor 626 in FIG. 6, to carryout the techniques of the invention. The programmable processor mayinclude one or more individual processors, which may act independentlyor in concert. A “computer-readable medium” includes but is not limitedto read-only memory, Flash memory and a magnetic or optical storagemedium. These and other embodiments are within the scope of thefollowing claims.

1. A defibrillator comprising: an impedance measure module configured tomeasure an impedance between a first test lead and a second test lead inelectrical contact with a hydrogel bridge, the first test lead and thesecond test lead being a separate structure from, and being electricallyisolated from, a therapy delivery plate of a defibrillation electrodecapable of delivering electrical therapy when coupled to thedefibrillator; and a processor configured to determine whether thedefibrillation electrode is in a condition for replacement as a functionof the measurement.
 2. The defibrillator of claim 1, wherein theprocessor is further configured to receive at least one environmentalcondition datum from an environmental sensor and to determine thedefibrillation electrode is in a condition for replacement as a functionof the datum.
 3. The defibrillator of claim 2, further comprising theenvironmental sensor.
 4. The defibrillator of claim 2, wherein theenvironmental sensor comprises at least one of a temperature sensor or ahumidity sensor.
 5. The defibrillator of claim 1, wherein the processoris further configured to notify a person when the defibrillationelectrode is in a condition for replacement.
 6. The defibrillator ofclaim 1, further comprising an alarm, wherein the processor is furtherconfigured to activate the alarm when the defibrillation electrode is ina condition for replacement.
 7. The defibrillator of claim 1, furthercomprising memory configured to store at least one of the expirationdate and a manufacturing date received from an input module.
 8. Thedefibrillator of claim 7, further comprising the input module.
 9. Thedefibrillator of claim 1, wherein the defibrillator comprises anautomated external defibrillator.